Sabrina Carpenter Secures Five-Year Restraining Order Against Persistent Stalker

Judge David I. Wasserman issued a five-year restraining order on June 17, 2026 prohibiting William Applegate from approaching Sabrina Carpenter, her sister, her sister’s partner, or any of Carpenter’s residences, vehicles, or workplaces within 100 yards. The order also bars Applegate from contacting Carpenter or possessing firearms until June 17, 2031.

Rolling Stone

Carpenter rose to fame on Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World” and earned success with the albums “Emails I Can’t Send” (2022) and “Short n’ Sweet” (2024). She had no prior contact with Applegate.

UsNews and World Report

Sabrina Carpenter – plaintiff; William Applegate – defendant; Judge David I. Wasserman – judge; Berk; Doomanis.

Rolling Stone

? April 20, 2026 – first documented approach. May 23, 2026 – Applegate broke into a neighboring property and tried to open Carpenter’s front door. May 29, 2026 – temporary restraining order filed. June 17, 2026 – five-year order issued. More than a dozen attempts recorded; the court required a 100-yard buffer and prohibited firearms. Judge Wasserman said the order must be obeyed despite Applegate’s national-security claim. Attorney Berk said Applegate’s trespassing caused severe emotional distress for Carpenter. Detective Doomanis described the conduct as a fixated stalking pattern. Carpenter’s petition called the incidents most disturbing violations of personal safety she has experienced.

Rolling Stone

Applegate claimed a classified military program required him and Carpenter to be together “as soon as possible” for national security. He said he would stay away if Carpenter instructed him and accused police and his representatives of working against him.

UsNews and World Report

Sources differ on the judge’s middle initial (L. versus I.). Court records show no criminal charges filed despite an investigation. The AP and Rolling Stone pieces assign different reliability scores, yet both report the same core facts about the restraining order.

UsNews and World Report

• “I understand it’s your belief that in order to save the world, you and [Carpenter] need to be together.” — Judge David I. Wasserman

Rolling Stone

• “And I expect you to obey the order, not what you think the military commands of you.” — Judge David I. Wasserman

Rolling Stone

• “His pattern of stalking, trespassing, and surveillance has caused me severe and ongoing emotional distress, and I am in fear what he may do if he is not restrained by this court,” — Sabrina Carpenter, signed declaration

Rolling Stone

• “It is my professional opinion that [Applegate] has developed a disturbing and irrational fixation on petitioner,” — Detective Peter Doomanis, LAPD

Rolling Stone

The case shows how courts can impose long-term protective orders for stalking victims without criminal convictions, highlighting legal tools to safeguard figures’ privacy and safety.

Rolling Stone

Applegate is scheduled for a criminal hearing on the alleged trespassing charge. The restraining order remains enforceable until 2031, and any violation could trigger prosecution.

Rolling Stone